Raider Elite bigger and better
The fourth season of the Raider Elite Strength and Conditioning Summer Program is in full swing at the high school, with 231 high school and 136 middle school student athletes seeking to improve their performances in their respective sports.By: Bob Burrows, Hudson Star-Observer
- Jagger Marvin works out during a middle school session
- Gillian Boiley hits the rings
Summer vacation may be in full swing, but that doesn’t mean it’s all rest and relaxation for over 350 Hudson high school and middle school student-athletes.
The fourth season of the Raider Elite Strength and Conditioning Summer Program is in full swing at the high school, with 231 high school and 136 middle school student athletes seeking to improve their performances in their respective sports.
The students, both male and female and representing all sports in all grades, began the summer program June 11. Middle school students are meeting three times per week, an hour each day, through Aug. 17 while high school students meet 4-5 times per week, for 90 minutes a session, through Aug. 3.
Each participant took part in pretesting at the beginning of the program and will be tested again at the end of the summer to measure improvement in areas such as the bench press, squat, vertical jump, pro agility, and 20-yard dash.
The Raider Elite program, which started at the high school in 2009, is designed to give every athlete the opportunity to take part in a scientifically backed and individualized training program. It is unique because it addresses all the critical components needed by an athlete — performance enhancement, supervision, education and injury prevention.
“We provide programming and instruction all year round for the high school athletes, as well as provide in-season training for all of our Raider teams,” high school trainer Nate Brine said.
The summer portion of the program has grown from about 200 participants in 2009, to 367 in 2012.
Brine has spearheaded the program since its inception, along with middle school physical education teacher and high school track coach Gerry Uchytil. Instructors also include Scott Hintz, Sam Turner and Stacey Chezik of Larsen Sports Medicine/Catalyst Institute, which in addition to providing staffing helps offset some of the costs of the program.
Brine said high school athletic director Stephanie DeVos has been instrumental in the development of the program, along with assistant Raider football coach Neil Hatfield. Brine said the Raider Pride Council has also been a huge supporter of the program.
Tags: sports, raiders, prep, social
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